The Role of the Misfit
by Johnny Strabler
Tony "T. Money" Green isn't just your average local music dude. He's worked with the cream of the crop – both locally and nationally (from Dr. Dre to Snoop Dog, Warren G. and Motown). So when he stands behind an artist, you best believe they're probably worth checking out. Misfit is one of Detroit's up-and-comers, CEO of T. Money's label (Hyped International Records) and has been nominated for a multitude of awards over the past four years. With a new album, I Want In, dropping shortly, he's poised to make the big breakthrough that the local hip-hop community has been waiting for.
"When I was younger, being the only white boy down in south Warren and Detroit," says Misfit, "my release was poetry. And all the anger and stress was released through music."
Now a part of the Westbound Records legacy, including the seal of approval from legendary founder Armin Boladian, Misfit is building off the hype that his five previous mix tapes have built. And all those collaborations, hard work, networking and putting the effort into his music have paid off for Misfit. "I don't have a 9 to 5," he says. "I pretty much survive off shows – music's how I survive."
I Want In is Vladimir Stamenkovic's (Misfit's birth name) attempt to turn the genre on its head. He's put things completely backwards – turning his life into music, rather than trying to live the life that folks hear rappers boast about on the radio. An earnest honesty and unwillingness to hold back, the release is surprisingly blunt and real, with complex and layered backing beats. But it's Misfit's lyrics that contain the qualities that are discussed in the rap community often, but rarely realized. "I don't have millions of dollars like some other people," he says. "So I wanted to make an album that everyone can listen to – where my next door neighbor will be coming out and saying 'Hey, you really speak your mind'."
In appreciation of that fresh, blunt and dynamic style, he's earned an opportunity to appear at the 13th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos, which will further provide him an opportunity to showcase his skills for another demographic of music fans – folks that may not have normally taken the opportunity to check him out. But first, he has expectations to fulfill at his I Want In record release party, being held at the Token Lounge in Westland on 8/18 – and don't expect anything less than a stellar performance.
Misfit has a truly throwback lyrical style, very reminiscent of the hip-hop stylings of the '90s. His reliance on, and ability to work within, the confines of the intricate beats on I Want In allow the listener to fully appreciate what the genre sounded like in its heyday.
"It's been one good experience," says Misfit. "I'm blessed to have this situation, especially because of the way the industry is right now." | RDW
Misfit's "I Want In" Release Party • Token Lounge • 8/18, 9 p.m. • 28949 Joy Rd., Westland • misfit313.com • $5
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